Guide

Expert English-speaking local guide

Insurance

Basic insurance is included on this tour. The policy comes into effect on arriving at the destination, at the start of the services with UME Travel and it expires when the circuit arranged by our company has ended.

Transport

All mentioned internal flights, trains, and cruises Private & air-conditioned vehicle with ample space

Meals

Meals as mentioned in the above itinerary This tour offers Vegetarian, Vegan and Halal food options on request. Simply let UME Travel know the food option that you prefer.

Accommodation

Day1-3 Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts) or similar - 4 stars Day4 Fuji View Hotel or similar - 4 stars Day5 Ryokan Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu or similar - 4 stars Day6 Hotel Metropolitan Nagano or similar - 4 stars Day7-9 Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto-ekimae or similar - 4 stars Day10 Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi or similar - 4 stars Day11-12 Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka or similar - 4 stars Carefully selected accommodation with breakfast Accommodation based on two people sharing (for each person not sharing a room, the single supplement will be added) Well screened Hotels Handpicked hotels with good service and spacious room. Super nice location Downtown location with convenient transportation and many good restaurants nearby.

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

You have the option to enhance your tour with additional experiences, which come at an extra cost. Details for these optional activities will be included in your finalized travel documents.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Welcome To Japan!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Welcome To Japan!

Flight to Japan. Upon your arrival at Tokyo Narita/Haneda Airport, your driver shall welcome you to the country at the airport’s arrival hall and get you to your hotel via your own personal vehicle.

Accomodation：

- Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts)
Day 2 Tokyo’S Timeless Traditions Meets Modern Marvels | Sensoji Temple, Teamlab Planets Tokyo, Sumida River Cruise, Odaiba Marine Park&Tokyo’S Rainbow Bridge
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tokyo’S Timeless Traditions Meets Modern Marvels | Sensoji Temple, Teamlab Planets Tokyo, Sumida River Cruise, Odaiba Marine Park&Tokyo’S Rainbow Bridge

You’ll begin your tour at Tokyo`s oldest and most prominent temple, the majestic Senso-Ji. Steeped in tradition dating back over fourteen hundred years, Senso-Ji remains a cherished symbol of both Asakusa and Tokyo.

Then you’ll head to teamLab Planets Tokyo, an innovative art experience curated by the renowned art collective, teamLab. Boasting cutting-edge technology like projection and motion capture, its immersive and genre-defying galleries have made it one of Tokyo’s top tourist attractions.

Aboard the Sumida River Cruise, you’ll ride Tokyo Mizube Line’s comfortable water bus that will allow you to move freely in this thrilling scenic ride which you’ll pass by some of Tokyo’s top sights including the Tokyo Sky Tree, Tsukiji Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, and more! This hour-long cruise gives you the option between either the Asakusa to Odaiba route or vice versa whichever fits your schedule and itinerary best.

Afterwards, you’ll wind down with a stroll at Odaiba Seaside Park, offering splendid photo opportunities with attractions such as the Rainbow Bridge, a Statue of Liberty replica, and more, all overlooking Tokyo Bay.

Accomodation：

- Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts)

Meals Included：

- Breakfast
Day 3 Tokyo Bustling Modern Tour | Meiji Jingu Shrine, Zojoji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Akihabara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tokyo Bustling Modern Tour | Meiji Jingu Shrine, Zojoji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Akihabara

Today, you’ll visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo’s largest and most influential spiritual site. Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line’s busy Harajuku Station, the Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city. The spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths that are great for a relaxing stroll.

Then, you’ll visit Zojo-ji Temple in Kanto: the head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. Standing next to Tokyo Tower at 1,092 feet (333 meters) tall, the grounds of this beautiful temple include a mausoleum of the Tokugawa family and a small museum.

You’ll then venture to Tokyo Tower, which stands as the world’s tallest self-supported steel tower, towering three meters above its inspiration, the Eiffel Tower. Built in 1958, it offers stunning panoramic views of Tokyo’s cityscape and serves as a cultural symbol blending modernity and tradition. （Includes viewing deck tickets）.

Finally, you’ll get to explore Akihabara, often referred to as "Electric Town," is Tokyo’s premier district for electronics, as well as a popular hub for immersing oneself in anime and manga culture.

Accomodation：

- Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts)

Meals Included：

- Breakfast
Day 4 Mt. Fuji Highlights Tour | West Lake Village, Oshino Hakkai, Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave, Arakurayama Sengen Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mt. Fuji Highlights Tour | West Lake Village, Oshino Hakkai, Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave, Arakurayama Sengen Park

Today you’ll visit the West Lake, and discover the charm of Japan’s unique thick-thatched roof cottages known as West Lake Village. Enjoy a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance, with the village offering a serene ambiance with murmuring books, singing birds, and blooming flowers.

Next, you’ll venture to Oshino Hakkai, a cluster of eight springs in the quaint village of Oshino within the Fuji Five Lake region. Renowned for its crystal-clear and drinkable spring water, sourced from porous layers of hardened lava.

You’ll also explore the stunning Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave, situated at the east entrance to the Aokigahara Jukai "sea of trees" forest in the Five Lakes area. Formed over 1150 years ago by the lava flow from Nagaoyama, a flank volcano of Mt. Fuji, this two-tunnel looping cave is open for visits year-round.

You’ll end the day at Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Fujiyoshida City, especially enchanting at night. In spring, cherry blossoms create a breathtaking scene around Arakura Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine and its pagoda, both nestled within the park.

Accomodation：

- Fuji View Hotel

Meals Included：

- Breakfast
Day 5 Suwa Lake Classic Tour & Transfer Suwa Lake | Nakagomi Orchard, Lake Suwa, Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival, Suwa Taisha Shrine
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Suwa Lake Classic Tour & Transfer Suwa Lake | Nakagomi Orchard, Lake Suwa, Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival, Suwa Taisha Shrine

Today you’ll head to Nakagomi Orchard in Yamanashi. During the harvest season from June to late November, visitors can pick all kinds of fruit directly from the trees grown here, from ripe cherries, succulent peaches, and more.

Then, you’ll discover the serene beauty of Lake Suwa, the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Suwa. Adorned with cherry blossoms in spring and illuminated by summer fireworks, the lake offers a picturesque setting. During warmer months, you’ll be able to engage in various lake activities, including cruises, amphibious bus tours, and fishing.

Finally, you’ll journey to Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine), a venerable and significant shrine located southeast of Matsumoto. As one of Japan’s oldest shrines, Suwa Taisha holds cultural and historical importance at the country’s geographical center.

You may also have the luck of experiencing the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival. Held every year in August [7/26-8/25 (2024)], fireworks will be set up every day and night (so long as weather conditions are favorable), making for a spectacular evening while you dine or enjoy activities along the lakeshore.

Accomodation：

- Ryokan Kamisuwa Onsen Shinyu

Meals Included：

- Breakfast
Day 6 Nagono Culture Tour | Matsumoto Castle, Jigokudani Monkey Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Nagono Culture Tour | Matsumoto Castle, Jigokudani Monkey Park

Today you’ll explore the historical Matsumoto Castle, renowned as one of Japan’s original and meticulously preserved castles. This "hirajiro," situated on plains rather than elevated terrain, stands out for its unique combination of a secondary donjon and an adjoining turret to the main keep. The castle’s elegant structures, complemented by distinctive black wainscoting, exude a sense of grandeur and sophistication.

Then you’ll head over to Jigokudani Monkey Park where you’ll experience the unique sight seeing wild monkeys (Japanese Macaques) bathing in the area’s hot springs within their natural habitat. The park is inhabited by Japanese macaques, also known as Snow Monkeys.

Accomodation：

- Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Meals Included：

- Breakfast
Day 7 Bullet Train Trip To Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bullet Train Trip To Kyoto

Today, you’ll take a Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Nagano to Tsuruga（2hrs25min) and then transfer over to a train to Kyoto (53min)

Upon your arrival, you’ll be aided by a tour guide when you check into your hotel.

Accomodation：

- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto-ekimae

Meals Included：

- Breakfast
Day 8 Kyoto Classic Tour | Higashi Honganji Temple, Sanjusangendo, Nishiki Market, Tea Ceremony
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kyoto Classic Tour | Higashi Honganji Temple, Sanjusangendo, Nishiki Market, Tea Ceremony

The stunning Higashi Honganji Temple is still an incredible feat of traditional Japanese architecture. Built in 1602 and located near Nishi Honganji Temple, these two enormous temples once formed a united complex before being separated during feudal times due to concerns over political influence. Today, Higashi Honganji continues to inviting visitors from all over the globe and maintains a significant role within Japan’s religious landscape as the head temple of the Otani faction of Jodo-shin Buddhism, and houses the Goeido: one of the world’s largest wooden structures, and the nearby Amidado Hall.

Next, you’ll visit Sanjusangendo (the popular name for Rengeo-in), a temple in eastern Kyoto which is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy of Japanese Buddhism. It is also home to a wooden statue of a 1000-armed Kannon (Senju Kannon) which is flanked on each side by 500 statues of human sized 1000-armed Kannon standing in ten rows.

Then, you’ll experience the grand Nishiki Market: a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto’s Kitchen", this lively market specializes in fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find plenty of Kyoto specialties such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi.

Finally, you’ll relax and unwind at with a Kimono and Tea Ceremony. You’ll don traditional kimonos during and be guided through the tea ceremony guided by an expert tea master. You’ll gain insights into the history, etiquette, and significance of the ceremony, and participate in making matcha green tea under their guidance.

Accomodation：

- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto-ekimae

Meals Included：

- Breakfast
Day 9 Kyoto Essentials Tour | Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Experience Making Wagashi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kyoto Essentials Tour | Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Experience Making Wagashi

Begin your second day in Kyoto with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion. This revered site exudes beauty with its shimmering gold exterior that mirrors perfectly on the nearby pond while lush greenery frames it. Steeped in history dating back to the 14th century, Kinkaku-ji holds a special place amongst Kyoto’s must-see destinations due to its intricate design and tranquil environment.

Then, you’ll venture to the serene Sagano Bamboo Forest. This forest of tall bamboo stalks creates a peaceful atmosphere with their soft rustling sounds. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a warm glow on the path beneath, creating an immersive, tranquil experience in this natural oasis.

At a traditional Japanese sweet shop, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the intricate art of making wagashi sweets. During your session alongside a trained artisan, you’ll learn how create certain sweets such as jonamagashi, uirō, nerikiri, and kinton.

Accomodation：

-Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto-ekimae

Meals Included：

- Breakfast
Day 10 Nara Excursion & Osaka Stay | Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nara Park, Todai-Ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Nara Excursion & Osaka Stay | Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nara Park, Todai-Ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha

Today you’ll visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred, 233-meter-tall Mount Inari.

Next up, we’ll head to Nara Park - home to a mesmerizing herd of free-roaming sika deer! These majestic creatures have been designated as national treasures due to their long history of living harmoniously alongside humans. Visitors to the park can indulge themselves in feeding these gentle giants using specially sold crackers available within the premises. It’s a magical sight to see these docile animals stroll around leisurely or even bow down humbly before receiving their treats.

Afterward, you’ll head to Todai-ji Temple, a historic landmark that holds great significance in Japan. Make your way through the grand Nandaimon (Great Southern Gate) which is watched over by menacing Nio statues crafted by famous artists Unkei and Kaikei. Inside the temple complex, you’ll come across the immense Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), one of the biggest wooden buildings in the world, boasting remarkable size and architectural style.

Finally, you’ll end the day at Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most venerated shrine. Established at the same time as the city itself, it is famous for its hundreds of hanging bronze lanterns and stone lanterns placed on its grounds. Twice a year the lanterns are lit during the two Lantern Festivals, each held in early February and mid-August. You can also visit the nearby Kasuga Taisha Museum, a treasure hall near the main complex which displays some of the shrine’s relics.

Accomodation：

- Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi

Meals Included：

- Breakfast
Day 11 Explore Osaka｜Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Umeda
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Explore Osaka｜Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Umeda

For your final day of this tour, you’ll have the chance to explore some of Osaka’s most iconic attractions.

First, we’ll visit Osaka Castle Park, which combines both a public urban park and a historical site. Located near the Okawa River, it covers a vast expanse in the heart of Osaka City.

Next up, we’ll make our way to the stunning Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, widely regarded as the largest aquarium worldwide. You’ll encounter breathtaking displays featuring a diverse range of marine life from different parts of the globe.

Last but not least, we’re headed to the towering Tempozan Ferris Wheel, standing proudly at 112 meters high. Situated close to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, this massive ferris wheel offers spectacular views of the surrounding harbor village.

Accomodation：

- Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka

Meals Included：

- Breakfast
Day 12 Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Departure

Enjoy your final day in Japan until your guide arrives to escort you to KIX airport for your departing flight.

Accomodation：

- Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka

12 days tour

12 Days Unique Family Experiences In Japan With Kids (Privat

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 12 Days Unique Family Experiences In Japan With Kids (Privat

Welcome To Japan!

Tokyo’S Timeless Traditions Meets Modern Marvels | ​Sensoji Temple, Teamlab Planets Tokyo, Sumida River Cruise, Odaiba Marine Park&Tokyo’S Rainbow Bridge

Tokyo Bustling Modern Tour | Meiji Jingu Shrine, Zojoji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Akihabara

Mt. Fuji Highlights Tour | West Lake Village, Oshino Hakkai, Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave, Arakurayama Sengen Park

Suwa Lake Classic Tour & Transfer Suwa Lake | Nakagomi Orchard, Lake Suwa, Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival, Suwa Taisha Shrine

Nagono Culture Tour | Matsumoto Castle, Jigokudani Monkey Park

Bullet Train Trip To Kyoto

Kyoto Classic Tour | Higashi Honganji Temple, Sanjusangendo, Nishiki Market, Tea Ceremony

Kyoto Essentials Tour | ​Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Experience Making Wagashi

Nara Excursion & Osaka Stay | Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nara Park, Todai-Ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha

Explore Osaka｜Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Umeda

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Tokyo’S Timeless Traditions Meets Modern Marvels | Sensoji Temple, Teamlab Planets Tokyo, Sumida River Cruise, Odaiba Marine Park&Tokyo’S Rainbow Bridge

Kyoto Essentials Tour | Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Experience Making Wagashi